[Akalabeth Angel]

As I continue to learn both the abilities and limitations of FRED (I've exceeded, for the first time, both object and sex-p limitations in the past two weeks) I started to wonder about adding additional models to the game.

I was just wondering if any of the free 3d modelling programs are suitable for this task? I have some program called DOGA-L1 or something which supposidly does 3d modelling but I've yet to try it. I've heard a lot of talk about both Lightwave and 3d something-or-other but I believe these programs are both damned-expensive-ware.

As an aside, I've also just viewed the Hidden Terror trailer. I've also seen the BWO trailer and I was wondering what people used to record inflight battle scenes from the game? If anyone were to make a trailer for their campaign that'd be a damned easy way to do it.

[StratComm]

Truespace 3.2 is free, and you'll need some version of TS to get ships into FS2.  3.2 isn't that good, but it's free and it should let you do whatever you want to in one program.  Details on how to get TS can be found in Kara's sig, or you could try searching for it on Downloads.com.  At any rate, read Kara's FAQ and it'll tell you how to get started.

[magatsu1]

If you ain't got broadband better find someone who has Akalabeth......

[karajorma]

This question seems to be asked a lot. I think I'll have to add something to the FAQ beyond links to Truespace.

[karajorma]

Okay. Here's a preliminary list for the FAQ. If there's a modeller you want to recommend point it out now.

• Caligari Truespace 3.2 (Register here). You WILL need it for ship modding but many people (myself included) use nothing else.
  
• Blender 3D Blender is the other big free modeller. Some users swear by it.
  
• GMax GMax is a cut down version of 3DS Max q.v The rendering options were removed and it was released as a tool for making models for games. Although it won't save in the .cob format there is a method of converting to .cob by saving in quake format and then using a program like lithunwrap to convert. Although this is a rather complicated way of doing things some people find it worth it considering that 3DS Max costs more than a couple of thousend dollars while GMax is virtually the same modeller for free.
  
• Wings 3D I've never tried wings and I can only think of one modder who uses it regularly but it does seem like a fairly nice program.
  
• LithUnwrap Although not actually a modelling program Lith is very useful when it comes to texturing a model. It is also useful for converting since it will load many different file formats. LithUnwrap was freeware but the newer versions are now shareware. You can get the last free version at the link above along with an excellent tutorial on how to use it.
  

Shareware and Commercial

• MilkShape 3D An inexpensive (~$25) 3D modeller. I've heard a few reccomendations for it but have hardly touched it myself.
  
• Lightwave Getting into the big leagues here. Lightwave is easily over $1,500. It is however a very good rendering program (and none to shabby at modelling either!).
  
• 3DS Max The other expensive program commonly used in the community. [V] used 3DS Max for the ships you see in FS2 and several modders also use it.
  

[Akalabeth Angel]

Right on, thanks. And yes I have broadband, Truespace took about 4 minutes to download. Yeehaw. (anyone ever notice that the faster one's computer is, the less patience one has?)

  I'm also a student so I'm not sure whether I could obtain either of the expensive ones for el cheapo. Adobe Illustrator normally costs about 900 canadian and I got version 10 for a 160 so some of the modelling programs are certainly a possibility as well.

[TopAce]

Some additional programs to make models(<- is this half a sentence correct grammatically?) are also needed like:

PCS - POF Converter Suite, makes the .pof file what FS can read
ModelView: For limited(but very useful pof editing) and you can have a look at here what you have done.
FreeSpace: TEST IT IN THEGAME !

I suggest TrueSpace all the way, it can be handled easily, however, it takes quite a time to find some of its features

[Killfrenzy]

I also swear by trueSpace. You've got to use it at some point anyway, so why not use it from the word 'go?':D

[karajorma]

Originally posted by Killfrenzy
I also swear by trueSpace. You've got to use it at some point anyway, so why not use it from the word 'go?':D

True but if I remember correctly you use 5.1 which handles UV mapping a lot better than the version available for free. I used to have all sorts of UV problems with TS4.0 but once I got 5.1 I found things much easier. I guess it's a case of trying things things out and seeing what you like. Personally I reckon that a combination of TS3.2 and LithUnwrap should be enough for newbies to make stunning models but some of them will probably like the other links better.

TopAce : I already have links to those (and a few more like cob2pof etc.) in my FAQ but the only modelling program I link to is TS3.2. This should rectify that problem


BTW I've got a feeling I'm missing a modeller someone in the community uses but I can't remember which one

[Black Wolf]

Rhino?

Spirit?

[karajorma]

Originally posted by Black Wolf
Rhino?

That's the one The worst thing is I link to Sandwich's Rhino tutorial only a few lines up from where this bit will go in the FAQ

As for spirit wasn't it a renderer only? Still seeing as none of us will eer get our hands on it, it's not much of a problem

[magatsu1]

Jeez karajorma, must have taken you ages to write all these walk-throughs!!
Appreciate it though.
Hopefully I should have a few models to show off in the coming weeks (months.... years...)

[karajorma]

It did take a while to write them yes. That's why I keep putting off writing the second half on how to do everything else

 But when I see that people have found them useful it makes it worth it and since it means I don't have to keep reading/answering the same question over and over again on how to make turrets it actually saves a lot of time.

Most likely I'll wait until I convert my Charon Class carrier and use that as the example when I do get around to it rather than using the GTC Great Big Cube again so that I actually end up with something useful to me at the end as well as helping out newbie modellers too.

[magatsu1]

I know this thread has tapered off somewhat but it is the best place for my querry:
A mate downloaded Truespace 3.2 for me from Download.com. There's no readme, and no links regarding registration.
I've mailed Caligari but they haven't responded.
Aaaarrrrgggghh! how do I register ??!!

[StratComm]

Go to http://www.caligari.com and look for the tiny button on the bottom of the page about TS3.2.  That'll take you to a page that contains the registration link.

[magatsu1]

Ah, found it. Thanks.
Here's where the REAL fun begins.....

[karajorma]

I did actually link to the Reg site when I added TS3.2 to the list above.

You had me thinking I'd made a stupid mistake again for a second

[StratComm]

Good going kara, when he asked I assumed he'd tried everything.  Guess not though!  Thanks for making that shortcut even more obvious for those of us who are mentally blind to details

[KARMA]

there also are maya and XSI as modelling progs.  I never used em but I know they are used by many pro studios, so probably they are more than what you will need, not to mention that they should be a bit more expensive than max or lw.
Btw, if you are looking for freespace modelling, I'd suggest to try truespace first, like others said, maybe checking the student price for a ts version from 5.1 to 6.6 (last one I think)

[Killfrenzy]

Kara, I use Lith for UVMapping anyway!!